Part 1 of this series introduced trade dress in restaurants and Part 2 took a closer look at restaurant décor as trade dress. Part 3 explored how cou...
Restaurant Trade Dress Series, Part 3: How different courts evaluate trade dress infringement
Part 1 of this series introduced trade dress in restaurants and Part 2 took a closer look at restaurant décor as trade dress. Trade dress law is actu...
The South Butt: a trademark infringement story
This story tickles my funny bone. A 16 year old student, Jimmy Winkelmann, started a company called The South Butt, producing a clothing line that was...
Receiving a Cease & Desist letter – Part 3: exploring patent licenses In Part 1 of this series on cease & desist letters, I explained th...
Receiving a cease and desist letter – Part 2: due diligence
In Part 1 of this series on cease and desist letters, I suggested hiring an attorney for an infringement opinion if and when you are faced with a ceas...
Receiving a Cease & Desist letter – Part 1: Where to start
I rarely see clients go into a defensive panic mode more quickly than when they receive a cease & desist letter. The calls I get range from the ou...
Throwing the proverbial kitchen sink into your patent application
Many inventors believe that disclosure limits the scope of their protection. They try to give vague, non-specific examples in an effort to not “...
Expanding your brand overseas
Clients often call me with news that they’ve received internet inquiries from foreign customers who found the company online. While they are excited...
What tools are in your toolbox for brand protection?
In my previous blog about brand management, I discussed what a brand is, the importance of developing a brand, and how to manage it. With all the time...
Brand management
Knowing how to create a strong brand is as important as correct and consistent use of the mark in your commercial endeavors. Creating a brand is not j...